Booster water spraying system

ABSTRACT

A garden hose spray system includes a water pump and a controller with a switch for engaging and disengaging the pump. The pump is used for boosting a water flow through the system. The controller is in communication with the pump, and directs the switch to engage the pump when the water flow exceeds a predetermined, non-zero threshold flow rate. In certain embodiments, the system further includes a variable outlet. The variable outlet is operable at a first flow setting for a flow rate greater than the threshold and a second flow setting for a non-zero flow rate less than the threshold.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of garden hosespray systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a systemincluding a pump and control mechanism for boosting the flow rate,pressure, momentum, and/or exit velocity of a water flow (or waterstream) through the system.

Household garden hoses may be used for a wide variety of tasks around ahome. However, at pressures supplied by household plumbing systems, thepressure of outgoing streams may be fairly low, for exampleapproximately 0.4 megapascals (MPa), or approximately 60 pounds persquare inch (psi). To compensate, household garden hoses may be fittedwith a wide variety of fittings and/or nozzles to increase the waterpressure in the system and provide a stream of water with an increasedexit velocity. However to increase the outgoing velocity of the waterstream, such nozzles may greatly reduce the outgoing flow rate, which isthe product of average velocity and flow cross-section—for example fromapproximately 315 to 630 cubic centimeters per second (cm³/s), orapproximately 5 to 10 gallons per minute (gpm), down to less than 190cm³/s (3 gpm).

Devices other than garden hose boosting pumps, such as powered pressurewashers for example, are known to be used to clean dirt, paint, or moldfrom pavement, brick face, cement, or other surfaces. To achieve suchresults, these devices may generally provide an energized water streambut with a greatly increased pressure (e.g., approximately 9.6 MPa (1400psi)) and a greatly reduced flow rate (e.g., approximately 80 to 90cm³/s (1.3-1.4 gpm)). Heavy duty pressure washers may provide streamswith even higher pressures (e.g., 20 to 35 MPa (3000-5000 psi)) andpossibly greater flow rates (e.g., approximately 225 cm³/s (3.5 gpm)).The high pressure streams of heavy duty pressure washers may facilitatemore demanding tasks, such as resurfacing or cutting of materials, whichmay require extremely powerful flows.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention relates to a garden hose spray systemincluding a pump for boosting a water flow through the system, a gardenhose connector coupled to the pump, and a controller. The controller isin communication with the pump, such that the controller engages thepump when the water flow exceeds a predetermined, non-zero thresholdflow rate. The garden hose spray system further includes a variableoutlet operable at a first flow setting for a flow rate greater than thethreshold and a second flow setting for a non-zero flow rate less thanthe threshold.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a garden hose assistsystem including a water pump having a motor, an inlet, and an outlet. Agarden hose connector is coupled to the pump. The hose assist systemalso has a flow sensor coupled to the pump, and the sensor has a statusthat is based upon measuring water flowing through the system relativeto a non-zero, flow rate threshold. Also, the hose assist systemincludes a control circuit that engages the pump in response to thestatus of the flow sensor.

Still another embodiment relates to a booster system for use with agarden hose. The booster system includes a water pump having a motor.The pump is designed to produce a maximum water pressure of less than1000 psi. A garden hose connector is coupled to the pump. The boostersystem also includes a switch for engaging and disengaging the pump. Ahose storage structure for holding a garden hose close to the pump isalso included in the system.

Yet another embodiment relates to a garden hose storage and boostersystem. The booster system includes a water pump and a garden hoseconnector coupled to the pump. A switch is included for engaging anddisengaging the pump. A hose storage structure for holding a garden hoseclose to the pump is also included in the system. Additionally, astorage housing substantially encloses the pump and the hose storagestructure.

Another embodiment relates to a garden hose booster control system. Thesystem includes a water pump with a motor, a radio frequency receiver,and a switch for engaging and disengaging the motor. The system alsoincludes a variable outlet having a first flow rate setting, a secondflow rate setting, a radio frequency transmitter. The transmitter isdesigned to transmit a radio frequency signal to the receiver toindicate which setting the variable outlet is using. Additionally, thesystem includes a controller designed to adjust the switch based uponthe signal.

Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features andcombinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable garden hose spray systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a garden hose spray system according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B is an end view of a spray head for the garden hose spray systemof FIG. 2A according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2C is an end view of a spray head for the garden hose spray systemof FIG. 2A according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a garden hose spray system according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of a garden hose spray system according toanother exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a control matrix for a spray system according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a garden hose spray system according to yetanother exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a side view of a broom for a garden hose spray systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of a broom head for the broom of FIG. 6Aaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6C is a bottom view of a broom head for the broom of FIG. 6Aaccording to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6D is a bottom view of a broom head for the broom of FIG. 6Aaccording to yet another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a scrubbing brush for a garden hose spraysystem according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7B is a bottom view of a scrubbing brush head for the brush of FIG.7A according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a garden hose storage and booster systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Garden hoses and sprayers can be used for a broad range of applications,including for example cleaning cars, watering plants, washing homewindows and siding, rinsing out a warehouse floor or garage, and thelike. However, garden hoses alone may produce water streams that are tooweak to wash off certain materials, such as tree sap or bird residue. Assuch, booster systems for garden hoses may be very useful. The addedboost may produce water streams powerful enough to handle everydayhousehold cleaning tasks that are outside of the capabilities of gardenhoses alone.

Referring to FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment, the boosterwater spraying system is in the form of a portable wheeled-cart 110 thatincludes a pump 130 stored on or in the cart 110, a windable garden hosereel 176, a handle 178, a hose 116, and wheels 179. Other embodimentsinclude a cart with a roll-bar frame to protect the pump 130 and othercomponents from damage if the cart is overturned. When the hose 116couples the pump to a water source, the pump 130 may energize the waterflow. Other exemplary embodiments include hose storage structures otherthan the hose reel 176, such as hose racks that are not windable, butinstead require a user to wrap the hose around a frame. Still otherexemplary embodiments include a pump with a hose rack that may bemounted to the side of a house or building. Such embodiments may formbooster water spraying system kits.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a garden hose spray system 210 embodiment thatincludes a pump 230 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Thegarden hose spray system 210 is configured to be coupled to an existing,conventional garden hose system including a hose 216 coupled to, forexample, a typical garden hose fitting or coupling connector 214 (e.g.three-quarters inch female garden hose connector, hose bib, hose faucet,sillcock, threaded coupling, hose fitting, etc.). According to anotherexemplary embodiment, a similar garden hose sprayer system may becoupled to a water supply with a permanent plumbing (e.g., brass pipes,PVC pipes, and the like). According to a preferred embodiment, the pump230 is a centrifugal pump driven by motor 232. The pump 230 includes aconnector or connectors for attaching a garden hose, such as athree-quarters inch female and/or male fitting, snap-lock, and/or otherconnector. The water is drawn into the pump 230 by a rotating impellerthrough an input 234 opening, port, hole, and the like and expelledthrough an output 235. The output 235 is connected to a hose coupler236, which allows for releasable attachment of a garden hose. The pump230 is configured to energize (i.e., add kinetic or potential energy to,as opposed to electrify) the water flow, such as by converting thecentrifugal force of the rotating impeller to an increased staticpressure of the water flow and, in turn, increasing a related pressureand a flow velocity with which the water flow exits the garden hosespray system 210.

In some embodiments, the motor 232 is a alternating current electricmotor, and the motor 232 is compatible with a standard householdelectrical system (e.g., 120-volt motor). An electrical plug and cordmay couple the motor to a current source. In other embodiments the motor232 is powered by a direct current electric motor and battery. In stillother embodiments the motor 232 is a combustion engine.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a booster for agarden hose as opposed to a “true” pressure washer. Conversely, itshould be noted that some “pressure washers,” especially the heavy dutypressure washers, can damage objects that are hit directly by acorrespondingly high-powered water stream or by an object propelled bythe high-powered stream. However, some embodiments of this inventionprovide a mechanism for energizing a water stream from a household watersystem with an increased flow rate and/or pressure that is suitable toeveryday-type cleaning applications. For example, in certain scenarios,such as for cleaning operations (e.g., removing stuck-on plant debrisfrom a vehicle; dried-on bird waste from a window; or spider webs froman eve of a high roof line, out of reach of a garden hose havingunboosted pressure and flow) a user may desire an increased flow rateand/or pressure beyond the capabilities of a garden hose and faucetwithout a booster pump, but not with the reduced flow rate and muchhigher pressures of “true” pressure washers. Thus, according to someexemplary embodiments, pumps associated with the presently claimedinvention have a maximum pressure capacity (e.g., maximum settings) ofless than approximately 7 MPa (1000 psi), preferably less thanapproximately 4 MPa (600 psi), and even more preferably less thanapproximately 1.5 MPa (200 psi). For example, in a preferred embodimentthe maximum pressure capacity (e.g., maximum setting) is less thanapproximately 400 kilopascals (kPa) (60 psi); and in another preferredembodiment it is less than approximately 550 kPa (80 psi). Also, certainexemplary embodiment systems have a water flow rate capacity (e.g.,maximum setting) of at least approximately 250 cm³/s (4 gpm), preferablyat least approximately 325 cm³/s (5 gpm), and even more preferably atleast approximately 350 cm³/s (5.5 gpm). For example, in a preferredembodiment the water flow rate capacity (e.g., maximum setting) isapproximately 375 cm³/s (6 gpm). In some embodiments, activating thepump increases the water flow rate by a magnitude approximately greaterthan 1.25 but less than five, preferably by a magnitude approximatelygreater than 1.5 but less than three, such as approximately two.

While the pump 230 is a centrifugal-type pump, other embodiments utilizeother styles of pumps, including reciprocating pumps and/or positivedisplacement pumps. For example, at least one embodiment includes a pumpthat uses a piston-style positive displacement pump. Centrifugal pumpsmay be preferred over piston-style pumps because no bypass may be neededwith the former for a water flow to continue to flow when power is notprovided to the pump. It should be noted that in some exemplaryembodiments the pump is an electric pump having a ground faultprotection, such as a circuit breaker, fuse, and the like. The groundfault protection may help to protect a user from accidental electricshock. Additionally, the ground fault protection may help to protect thepump system from short-circuiting, overloading, and the like, which maybe damaging to the system.

Still referring to FIG. 2A, according to an exemplary embodiment, aswitch 224 is part of a flow-sensitive switch assembly 260 (or “flowmonitoring switch”) in a switch housing 220 and dually functions as apump controller, wherein the flow monitoring switch 260 includes both asensor portion 222 and a switch portion 224. The sensor 222 measures,detects, monitors, evaluates, and/or is affected by characteristics(e.g., flow rate) of the water flow through the garden hose spray system210, and thus providing the sensor a status based upon the flowcharacteristics. For example, in the system 210, the sensor 222 iscoupled to the pump 230 proximate to an inlet 234 to detect a flow rateof water into the pump 230. The flow monitoring switch 260 is configuredto recognize a threshold flow rate such that the flow monitoring switch260 is engaged (e.g., “on” or a closed switch) for water flowing abovethe threshold flow rate and disengaged (e.g., “off” or an open switch)for water flowing below the threshold flow rate. Flow monitoringswitches may be less expensive than gauges for measuring water pressureor other flow characteristics, and therefore may be desirable to reducethe overall cost of a garden hose sprayer system.

While the sensor 222 is shown as part of a simple flow-sensitivemechanical switch 260 in FIG. 2A, according to other exemplaryembodiments, other suitable gauges, sensors, meters, and the like may beprovided to sense flow rates of the water flow through the garden hosespray system 210. For example, a variant exemplary sensor may include aninduction magnetic switching device with a biased magnetic “torpedo”provided within the flow that is sensed by a magnetically-sensitiveswitch provided outside of the flow. Other embodiments include flowsensors such as Venturis, pitot static tubes, spinning pin-wheels,paddles with spring arms, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2A, according to an exemplary embodiment, the gardenhose sprayer system 210 includes an additional, manually-operated on/offswitch 262 and housing. The manually-operated switch 262 may be providedin series with the flow-sensitive mechanical switch 260, wherein if themanually-operated switch 262 is in the off position, the pump 230 willnot be activated, but if the manually-operated switch 262 is in the onposition, then the pump 230 may be activated by the flow sensitiveswitch 260 or its analog. In a different embodiment, a manually-operatedswitch 262 is provided in parallel with the flow sensitive switch 260 orits analog, such that the manually-operated switch 262 can function asan override, activating or deactivating the pump 230 regardless the flowrate. In some embodiments, the housing further includes a capacitor, amotor control circuitry, a power switch, a circuit breaker, and otherelectronics. The plug may be a standard plug and may include a groundfault circuit interrupter.

Energized water flow exits from the pump 230 through the outlet 235.According to an exemplary embodiment, a flexible hose 217, such as acommon garden hose, is coupled to the outlet 235 with the hose coupleror garden hose connector 236 (e.g., threaded fittings, quick connect,snap fittings, and the like). The flexible hose 217 may be made from awide variety of commonly known materials such as vinyl, rubber,composite, and the like. For example, typical garden hose (or“hosepipe”) characteristics may vary depending design choice, such ashose dimensions, gauge, material, reinforcement, and the like. Someexemplary garden hoses are constructed of a synthetic rubber and/or softplastic. These hoses are reinforced with internal or external fiberwebbings, such as nylon or polyester tire-cords. Certain exemplary hosesare “reinforced vinyl” garden hoses. Due the variety of design choicesand available materials, different commercial garden hoses have a broadrange of “burst strengths” or “burst ratings,” the maximum allowableinternal pressures that a hose can withstand before rupture. Someexemplary lower-quality hoses have a burst rating of about 1.4 MPa (200psi). Other exemplary medium-quality hoses have burst ratings rangingfrom about 1.9 to 2.4 MPa (275 to 350 psi). Still other exemplaryhigher-quality garden hoses have burst ratings from about 2.4 to 3.4 MPa(350 to 500 psi) or higher, such as about 7 MPa (1000 psi). Therefore,booster water spraying systems, such as those described herein that mayoperate with typical garden hoses, may be better suited for suchoperation than “true” pressure washers due to characteristics of thegarden hoses, such as their “burst ratings.”

A variable outlet 240 (e.g., sprayer, nozzle, spout, head, fountain,sprinkler, flow sink, and the like) may be provided on a remote end ofthe hose 217. The variable outlet 240 is coupled to the hose 217 with acommonly known fitting or coupling and is configured to allow a user tomanage the water flow out of the garden hose sprayer system 210 (e.g.,point and spray). According to some preferred exemplary embodiments, thevariable outlet 240 may include multiple mechanisms for controllingwater output, such as a rotatable head portion 242, which may include aplurality of patterned openings 246, 248 of different sizes and/orshapes; a flow restriction valve 250; and/or a flow control valve 252.

In some embodiments the flow-restriction valve 250 is manipulated by atrigger 254 located on the variable output 240. The flow-restrictionvalve 250, for example, may be configured to be opened when a user pullsthe trigger 254, allowing water to be expelled from the variable output240 through one of the openings 246, 248, and closed when a userreleases the trigger 254. To this end, the flow-restriction valve 250may be biased to the closed position with a spring, an elastic band, acounterweight, and/or other suitable biasing member.

The variable output 240 may also include a chemical container 272 forstoring and transferring chemicals into the water flow. For example, thecontainer may hold a liquid plant fertilizer that is pulled into thewater flow by a lower pressure Venturi within the flow path (much likefuel insertion in air passing through a carburetor of a combustionengine, or aeration systems in fish tanks). In other embodiments,mechanical energy is transferred from pulling the trigger 254, tosqueeze chemicals from the container into the water flow.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the rotatable head portion 242 includes at least alarger opening 248 and a smaller opening 246 through which water mayexit from the variable outlet 240. For example, the head portion 242 maybe adjusted such that the water flow exits the variable outlet 240through either the smaller opening 246 or the larger opening 248. Thelarger opening 248 allows a greater flow rate through the garden hosesprayer system 210 than the smaller opening 246. According to otherexemplary embodiments, the water flow may exit through a variety ofother openings of differently-shaped patterns having cross-sectionalareas of greater or lesser discreet magnitudes relative to openings 246,248.

As shown in FIG. 2C, according to still other exemplary embodiments, thehead portion 242 may include a single, continuous opening with a variedcross-sectional width 249 instead of a plurality of discreet openings.By exposing different portions of the single opening 249 to the waterflow, the water exit stream may pass through openings with differentcross-sectional areas, affecting the flow rate in a manner similar tothe different-sized discreet openings 246, 248 in FIG. 2B. In stillother embodiments, the head portion 242 may include a screw-typeconstricting valve for varying the nozzle opening cross-sectional area.

According to still other exemplary embodiments, a user may adjust theflow rate of the variable output 240 with a flow control valve 252. Sucha valve 252 may be provided internally in the variable output 240 and beany of a wide variety of different types of valves (e.g., a gate valve,poppet valve, plug valve, butterfly valve, globe valve, ball valve,etc.). Embodiments including a flow control valve 252 may graduallyconstrict or release water flow through the outlet 240, for example, bytightening or loosening the valve, such as by a knob and screwmechanism.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, block diagrams of similar garden hosespray systems 310, 311 are shown according to exemplary embodiments. InFIG. 3A, the garden hose spray system 310 is configured to be coupled toa typical household or commercial property water supply/source 312(e.g., hose bib, faucet, and the like). A pump 330 is provided toenergize a water flow through the system 310, such as to increase waterpressure, momentum, work, temperature, exit velocity, flow rate, and/orother characteristics of the water flow that are functions of energy.The pump 330 is powered by a power source 318, such as a AC currentsource, a DC current source, a gas-powered electric generator, acombustion engine, a solar panel array, a battery, and/or another powersource.

The garden hose spray system 310 further includes a controller 320 incommunication (e.g., fluidic, mechanical, wired, wireless, and/or othercommunication) with the pump 330, and the controller 320 operates aswitch 324 provided between the power source 318 and the pump 330.Closing the switch 324 allows power to drive the pump 330 and openingthe switch 324 prevents power from driving the pump 330.

In the FIG. 3A embodiment, the controller 320 is further coupled to asensor 322. The sensor 322 detects, monitors, senses, and/or is affectedby the flow rate of the water flow through the garden hose spray system310. In some embodiments, the sensor 322 can distinguish between ano-flow condition and a positive flow condition. In another set ofembodiments, the sensor 322 can distinguish between two or moredifferent positive (non-zero) flow rates. The controller 320 usesreadings from the sensor 322 to operate the switch 324 to activate thepump 330. Pump 330 activation as a function of a non-zero flow rate maybe especially useful for situations where a lower pressure, lesser flowis desirable; along with a quick adjustment to a more powerful highflow, such as switching between gently watering flowers to removingdried-on mud from a deck floor.

The garden hose spray system 310 further includes a variable outlet 340operable at a first flow setting and a second flow setting, such as asprayer head, nozzle, spraying brush, and the like, with adjustable flowrate settings having a plurality of discreet “calibrated” outletcross-sectional patterns, as shown in FIG. 3B for example. For example,the first flow setting may correspond with a non-zero flow rate lessthan a threshold flow rate and the second flow setting may correspondwith a flow rate greater than the threshold. The sensor 322 candetermine which setting is operating by reading a corresponding flowrate. In some embodiments, the controller 320 then directs, operates,manipulates, adjusts, and/or flips the switch 324 to activate the pump330 when the water flow rate exceeds the predetermined, non-zerothreshold flow rate. Exemplary threshold values range from approximately60 to 300 cm³/s (1 to 5 gpm), preferably from approximately 125 to 250cm³/s (2 to 4 gpm). Exemplary threshold values range even morepreferably from approximately 150 to 225 cm³/s (2.5 to 3.5 gpm), such as190 cm³/s (3 gpm). In still other embodiments, the threshold can bemanually changed by adjusting the bias of a biasing member (e.g., springposition, flexible rod length, and the like) associated with the sensor322 for example.

According to one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the sensor322 is provided between the water source 312 and the pump 330. Howeverplacement of the sensor 322 in the system 310 may vary with embodimentswithin the scope of the invention. In other exemplary embodiments, asensor is provided after a pump outlet—either between the pump 330 andthe variable outlet 340, or as part of the variable outlet 340.Additionally a valve 350 may be placed in series with the system 310, toprevent flow of water through the system when the valve 350 is closed,and to allow flow when the valve 350 is open. For example, the valve 350may be coupled to a squeeze-operated handle or trigger, a rotatableflow-blocking gate, a constricting valve, and/or the like.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the garden hose spray system 311 alsoincludes a pump 330 that may be activated by a controller 320 and switch324 coupled to a power source 318, and the system 311 may be coupled toa water source 312. In the system 311, a variable outlet 340 is in awireless communication (e.g., radio frequency or other electromagneticradiation, including a receiver and transmitter, as shown in FIG. 3B,which may be in signal communication between the controller and thevariable outlet, the variable outlet and the pump, and between otherparts) with the controller 320 such that selection of a variable outletsetting, and possibly other information such as valve release by atrigger on the variable outlet 340, is communicated to the controller320. According to another exemplary embodiment, a flow rate sensor isprovided proximate to the variable outlet 340. In still otherembodiments, a wired communication cable connects the variable outlet340 to the controller 320, for example, the wire is coupled to a hoseconnecting the variable outlet with the pump 330 and controller 320 (seealso FIG. 5).

FIG. 4 presents a matrix 480 that summarizes a control logic foroperation of the embodiment system 310. On one side 482 of the matrix480 is a valve 350 condition: an opened or closed valve condition. Onanother side 484 of the matrix 480 is a positive flow rate condition: ahigher flow condition above a threshold 486, and a lower flow conditionbelow the threshold 486. For example, instead of a distinction between azero-flow condition versus a positive-flow-rate condition being a factorfor controlling pump 330 activation, the pump 330 is activated by thecontroller 320 capable of distinguishing between at least two positiveflow rates of water through the garden hose spray system. According tothe control matrix 480 embodiment, the pump 330 is only activated whenboth the valve 350 is open and the higher flow rate setting is used.Activating the pump 330 only at times when additional boosting with ahigh flow-rate is desired, reduces the amount of time the pump 330 isactive, which may further reduce power consumption, noise, wear onmoving parts, and the like associated with the operation of the pump330. For example, a controller with logic designed to implement therules of the control matrix 480 may be more efficient in termsconservation of energy, as well as conservation of user control effortand time, than controllers that automatically turn on a pump when apositive flow rate is sensed regardless of rate, because a garden hoseuser may not need (or want) a boosted flow for many applications orsub-applications (such as watering the flowers).

A logic module, algorithm, and/or scheme configured to apply the logicpresented in the matrix 480 may be implemented in several steps. In someembodiments, a sensor may produce a reading, and the reading may berelayed to a control circuitry, as discussed below in regard to FIG. 5.The sensor reading may be converted to a relevant parameters, forexample by amplifying the reading, filtering noise from the reading, anddigitizing the reading. The reading may then be compared to a designatedthreshold, such as threshold 486 and/or other thresholds, or a thresholdcomputed in a processor based in part upon the reading. The comparisonmay occur in a processor under instructions of the logic module, whichmay be stored in a memory of a computer for example. If the sensorreading corresponds to a parameter exceeding the threshold parameter,then the processor may output a command that may be relayed to a pump orto a switch governing power to the pump. The command may direct the pumpto activate and/or to operate at a particular speed, capacity, level andthe like. In other embodiments, the command may activate a delay timerset to a predetermined period. Following the period, another command maybe relayed to the pump and/or to the switch. If the sensor readingcorresponds to a parameter not exceeding the threshold, then theprocessor may output a different command. For example, the differentcommand may deactivate the pump, or change the pump speed, capacity,level and the like. In still other embodiments, a logic module mayincorporate steps that open and close a valve on a variable outlet, oradjust a spray opening cross-sectional area on the variable outlet.

In some embodiments, with the motor 232 as a combustion engine, a logicmodule (or algorithm) may include a controller interaction withcomponents for controlling the combustion engine. For example, if a flowsensitive switch senses a positive flow, and relays the flow informationto the controller, the controller may then activate a solenoid thatengages a clutch (e.g., centrifugal clutch) coupled to a crankshaft ofthe engine (e.g., acting as a mechanical switch). The crankshaft maythen power the pump. However, if the flow sensitive switch senses noflow, or a positive flow rate less than a threshold flow rate, then thecontroller may activate a solenoid to disengage the clutch, idle theengine, and decouple the crankshaft from the pump. In some exemplaryembodiments with combustion engines, variant logic algorithms may havethe controller idle the engine when the flow is below the threshold,turn off the engine, or idle the engine for a set time period of sensedflow rate below the theshold before turning off the engine.

Other embodiments, such as those similar to system 311 of FIG. 3B,operate without a flow control valve. For example, water continuouslyflows through the system 311, either with the pump 330 on or off whenthe water source is actively supplying a water flow to the system. Assuch, a control matrix for the system 311 would not distinguish betweenconditions of the valve 482, and instead the controller 320 would simplyactivate the pump 330 upon sensing a water flow rate 484 greater thanthe non-zero threshold 486.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary booster water spraying system 510 as a blockdiagram. Similar the systems 310, 311 of FIG. 3, the system 510 of FIG.5 includes a pump 530 and a variable outlet 540, and the system 510 isattachable to a water source 512 and a power source 518. The system 510also has a controller 520 or control circuit, which may include acomputer, microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit, ananalog computer, a digital computer, a supercomputer, a computernetwork, a laptop or desktop computer, a calculator, a hybrid, and thelike.

Further referring to FIG. 5, the controller 520 has a control circuit523 electrically coupled to a switch 524 and a sensor 522. In someembodiments, the sensor 522 measures a water flow state in or related tothe system 510, such as flow rate, pressure, velocity, momentum,temperature, and other state characteristics. In other embodiments, thesensor 522 measures parameters that may be related to the water flowstate, such as strain or stress in a hose wall, time, vibrationamplitude or other parameters. In some embodiments, the switch 524 is anelectrical switch able to allow or deny electrical power to the pump. Inother embodiments, the switch 524 is a mechanical switch able to allowor deny power to the pump 530, such as a clutch-type switch, a hydraulicor pneumatic bypass-type switch, and the like. The switch 524 may beopened, closed, governed, controlled, actuated, adjusted, manipulated,and the like by the controller 520 and/or a user, such as bycommunicating a command to an electric switch driver, an electricactuator, a mechanical actuator, a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, byhand, and the like.

The control circuit 523 of FIG. 5 further includes a processor 525, alogic module 527, a memory 529, and a user interface 571. Additionalinterfaces 573, 575 may allow for data transmission and othercommunication between the controller 520 and the sensor 522, the pump530, the variable outlet 540, and/or other items. The interfaces 571,573, 575 may be coupled via data transmission or communication media,such as fiber optic or coaxial cable, wiring, radio or infrared signaltransmitters and receivers, hydraulic or pneumatic channels, mechanicallinkages, and the like. The logic module 527 of the controller 520 mayreceive inputs from the sensor 522, the pump 530, the variable outlet540, and/or other items such as a digital clock, a band-pass filter forremoving electronic noise, and the like. For example, one input could bea measured flow rate and another input could be a measured time, such asfor a series of logical steps that include a time delay step, prior to apump response step that is in reaction to a sensed change in flow ratestep. Additional inputs may be delivered to the controller 520 via theuser interface 571, which is shown in FIG. 5 as a turnable knob or dialto adjust the flow rate threshold, for example. Other user interfacesinclude keyboards, touch-sensitive screens, buttons, toggles, and thelike.

In some embodiments, the logic module 527 is configured to implement oneor more steps based upon the matrix shown in FIG. 4. In otherembodiments, the logic module 527 includes response time delay steps,threshold adjustment steps in response to variable output settingsselection steps, and other steps. Inputs and logic may be evaluated,analyzed, manipulated, calculated, and the like by the processor 525.The processor 525 and/or one or more components coupled to processor 525may be configured to provide a controller output signal or command toother components in the system 510, such as the pump 530, the variableoutlet 540, switches 524, 551, the sensor 522, and/or other circuitelements. As such, the output signal or command (e.g., a magnitude, afrequency, and the like) may be based upon calculations performed in theprocessor 525.

The processor 525 can be or include one or more processing components orprocessors. The processor 525 can be a general purpose processor, anapplication-specific integrated circuit, and/or any other collection ofcircuitry components configured to conduct the calculations or tofacilitate the activities described herein. The processor 525 can beconfigured to execute computer code, script code, object code, and/orother executable instructions stored in memory 529, other memory, or inthe processor 525. In some embodiments, the memory 529 may store codedinstructions, such as the logic module 527, in various states, such asvolatile, non-volatile, RAM, ROM, solid states, and the like. In certainembodiments, the logic module 527 may be stored in a separate memory,such as a memory of one or more remote computers coupled to the system510 via an external computer network, local area network, and/or theinternet

Also referring to FIG. 5, the variable outlet 540 includes a valve 550and a hydraulic switch 551, wherein the hydraulic switch 551 has twopositive flow settings: a higher-flow setting 548 and a lower-flowsetting 546. The variable outlet 540 may be powered hydraulically fromthe water flow, from the power source 518, from batteries, and/or fromanother source. As mentioned, the variable outlet 540 may be incommunication with the controller 520 through an interface 575. Like theswitch 524, the hydraulic switch 551 may be adjusted by the controller520 and/or a user via a switch driver or an actuator.

FIGS. 6-7 show embodiments of sprayer systems 610, 710 that are similarto systems 210, 310, 311, and 510. Systems 610 and 710 operate with abroom variable outlet 640 and a brush variable outlet 740 in place ofthe sprayer variable outlet 240 having a multi-patterned nozzle (e.g.,as shown in FIGS. 2B & 2C). Some features compatible with the embodimentsystems 610, 710 such as pumps, faucets, flow monitoring switches, andthe like are not shown in FIGS. 6-7, because they are similar to thosecorresponding features presented in the prior figures and describedherein.

Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D the system 610 includes a broomvariable outlet 640 that further includes a biased release trigger 654coupled to a flow restriction valve 650, a brush head 642, and a flowcontrol valve 652. A way to increase or decrease water flow through thesystem 610 is to adjust the flow control valve 652, which is shown as aconstriction valve coupled to a rotatable knob. FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6Dshow exemplary embodiments of the brush head 642 wherein bothembodiments include hydraulically driven brush head parts. In otherembodiments brush heads may be driven by motors. The first brush head642 of FIG. 6B includes parallel scrubbers that move back and forthrelative to each other. The brush head 649 of FIG. 6C includes twocircular scrubbers, one circumscribed by the other, where either one ofthe circular scrubbers rotates and the other remains fixed, or bothrotate at different rates and/or in opposite directions. FIG. 6D shows abrush with two concentric-circular brush heads 649, both like the brushof FIG. 6C, where the heads 649 of FIG. 6D are mechanically coupled torotate in opposite directions. Additionally, the broom variable outletsystem 610 further includes a chemical storage container 670 (e.g.,liquid soap container) for chemical injection into the water flow, and atwisting telescoping-pole height-adjustment control joint 681, such thatthe length of the broom (e.g., distance between trigger 654 and brushhead 642) can be increased or decreased, and locked into a specificlength.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the system 710 includes a brush variableoutlet 740 that further includes a biased release trigger 754 coupled toa flow restriction valve 750, a brush head 742, and a flow control valve752. Like the valve 652 for the broom variable outlet 640, one way toincrease or decrease water flow through the system 710 is to adjust theflow control valve 752, which is shown as a constriction valve coupledto a pressable and lockable button. FIG. 7B shows an exemplaryembodiment of the brush head 749 including hydraulically driven brushhead parts, where a circular inner brush rotates relative to an outerbrush. Additionally, the brush variable outlet system 710 includes achemical storage container 772, for holding a chemical such as liquidsoap, solvent, detergent, wax, and the like. Chemicals stored within thecontainer 772 may then be added to the water flow through the outletport 774 on the bottom of the brush, as shown in FIG. 7B. In otherembodiments, the chemicals may be added to the water flow at otherpoints in the system 710, such as before the pump, after the pump, andwithin the variable output 740.

Referring to FIG. 8, according to an exemplary embodiment, the boosterwater spraying system is in the form of storage system 810 that includesa pump 830 and a motor 832, both stored on or in a housing 876, awindable hose reel 816, a crank handle 878, and a hose with a spray gun840. In some embodiments the motor 832 is a combustion engine; and inother embodiments, the motor is an electric motor. In certainembodiments, the system 810 includes a controller for controlling thepump, as disclosed above in regard to the embodiments shown in FIGS.3-5. Some embodiments include a pivotable cover that opens and locksclosed (e.g., with a latch), and storage compartments for storing hosecomponents (e.g., a sprinkler, additional sprayers, etc.). The housing876 may include drawers, hooks, clips, and other structure for storing avariable outlet. The housing may be designed to be placed in a yard,remain stationary, and endure the elements. According to some exemplaryembodiments, the weight of the pump 830 and motor 832, arrangedproximate to the support base of the system 810, function to hold thestorage system 810 in place and help to prevent tipping of the system810 in high winds, for example.

Still referring to FIG. 8, the handle 878 can be used to crank the reel816, to wrap the hose. Other embodiments do not include a handle 878,and instead use a powered motor to rewind the reel 816. The reel 816 maybe in a location proximate to the pump 830, such that a user may be ableto reach to the reel 816 to grasp a garden hose on the reel 816 whilehandling the pump 830. In some embodiments, a biasing member, such as atorsion spring or reel motor, is coupled the hose reel 816. After usethe hose is retracted (i.e., wound back onto the reel) as the biasingmember winds the reel. In some embodiments, the torsion spring may alsobe coupled to a releaseable ratchet member, such that the hose will onlyrewind when a user releases the ratchet, in a manner similar to atypical self-retracting tape measure. Other exemplary embodimentsinclude hose storage structures, such as the hose reel 816, hose racksand frames that are not rotatable like the reel 816. Still otherembodiments include hose storage structures in the form of a storagecompartment, such as drawers and cabinets, where a user simply placesthe hose (e.g., in a coiled stack) in the compartment.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “proximate,”“substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaningin harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skillin the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains.These terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

The term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments isintended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples,representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments.

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation ofvarious elements in the accompanying drawings. The orientation ofvarious elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

The construction and arrangement of the garden hose spray system asshown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in thisdisclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Forexample, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of anyprocess, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied orre-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design,operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplaryembodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A garden hose spray system, comprising: a pumpfor boosting a water flow rate of a water flow through the system, thepump including an inlet and an outlet; a garden hose connector coupledto the pump outlet; a sensor configured to detect the water flow ratethrough the garden hose spray system relative to a threshold water flowrate, the threshold flow rate being non-zero; a controller incommunication with the pump, wherein the controller turns on the pumponly when the sensor detects a water flow rate above the threshold flowrate and turns off the pump when the sensor detects a water flow ratebelow the threshold flow rate; a variable outlet fluidly coupled to thepump, the variable outlet including a first flow setting resulting in awater flow rate greater than the threshold flow rate and a second flowsetting resulting in a water flow rate less than the threshold flowrate; and a flow restriction valve fluidly coupled to the variableoutlet, the flow restriction valve having an open position and a closedposition, the flow restriction valve allowing the water flow to exit thevariable outlet when in the open position and preventing the water fromexiting the variable outlet when in the closed position.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a flow-sensitive switch. 3.The system of claim 2, wherein the variable outlet comprises at leastone of a sprayer, a brush, or a broom.
 4. The system of claim 3, whereinthe flow restriction valve is coupled to a biased trigger such thatpulling the trigger opens the valve.
 5. The system of claim 4, furthercomprising a chemical container for injecting a chemical into the waterflow.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the garden hose connectorcomprises a three-quarters inch female garden hose connector.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a radio frequency transmittercoupled to the variable outlet and a radio frequency receiver coupled tothe pump, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit a radiofrequency signal to the receiver to indicate that the variable outlet isoperating at the first flow setting or the second flow setting.
 8. Thegarden hose spray system of claim 1, wherein the first flow setting is adiscrete setting that results in a water flow rate greater than zero andthe second flow setting is a discrete setting that results in a waterflow rate greater than zero.
 9. A garden hose assist system, comprising:a water pump having a motor, an inlet, and an outlet; a garden hoseconnector coupled to the pump; a flow rate sensor coupled to the pump,the sensor having a status based upon measuring a water flow rateflowing through the system relative to a non-zero, positive flow ratethreshold; a variable outlet fluidly coupled to the outlet of the waterpump, the variable outlet including a first flow setting resulting in awater flow rate greater than the flow rate threshold and a second flowsetting resulting in a water flow rate less than the flow ratethreshold; a flow restriction valve fluidly coupled to the variableoutlet, the flow restriction valve having an open position and a closedposition, the flow restriction valve allowing the water flow to exit thevariable outlet when in the open position and preventing the water fromexiting the variable outlet when in the closed position; and anelectronic control circuit that turns the pump on in response to thestatus of the flow rate sensor.
 10. The garden hose assist system ofclaim 9, wherein the motor is an electric motor.
 11. The garden hoseassist system of claim 10, wherein the pump has a maximum settingconfigured to produce a water flow having a pressure of less than 1000psi and a flow rate of greater than 4 gpm.
 12. The garden hose assistsystem of claim 11, wherein the pump has a maximum setting configured toproduce a water flow having a pressure of less than 200 psi and a flowrate of greater than 5 gpm.
 13. The garden hose assist system of claim11, wherein the control circuit includes a processor, a memory, and alogic module, and wherein the logic module includes instructions to turnthe pump on when the flow rate sensor has a status indicating a sensedflow rate that exceeds the threshold.
 14. A booster system for use witha garden hose, comprising: a water pump having a motor, wherein the pumpis configured to produce a maximum water pressure of less than 1000 psi;a garden hose connector coupled to an outlet of the pump; a sensor fordetermining a water flow rate through the booster system; a switchconfigured to turn the pump on when the water flow rate exceeds anon-zero threshold flow rate and to turn the pump off when the waterflow rate is below the non-zero threshold flow rate; a variable outletfluidly coupled to the water pump, the variable outlet including a firstflow setting resulting in a water flow rate greater than the thresholdflow rate and a second flow setting resulting in a water flow rate lessthan the threshold flow rate; a flow restriction valve fluidly coupledto the variable outlet, the flow restriction valve having an openposition and a closed position, the flow restriction valve allowing thewater flow to exit the variable outlet when in the open position andpreventing the water from exiting the variable outlet when in the closedposition; and a hose storage structure for holding a garden hoseproximate to the pump.
 15. The booster system of claim 14, wherein thehose storage structure comprises a hose reel.
 16. The booster system ofclaim 15, further comprising a portable wheeled-cart supporting the pumpand the hose reel.
 17. The booster system of claim 15, furthercomprising a stationary storage housing substantially enclosing the pumpand the hose reel.
 18. The booster system of claim 17, furthercomprising a controller coupled to the switch.
 19. The booster system ofclaim 18, further comprising a garden hose attached to the variableoutlet, wherein the variable outlet comprises at least one of a sprayer,a brush, or a broom, and wherein the housing is configured to store thegarden hose and the variable outlet.
 20. A garden hose storage andbooster system, comprising: a water pump; a garden hose connectorcoupled to an outlet of the pump; a sensor for determining a water flowrate through the booster system; a switch configured to turn the pump onwhen the water flow rate exceeds a non-zero threshold flow rate and toturn the pump off when the water flow rate is below the non-zerothreshold flow rate; a variable outlet fluidly coupled to the waterpump, the variable outlet including a first flow setting resulting in awater flow rate greater than the threshold flow rate and a second flowsetting resulting in a water flow rate less than the threshold flowrate; a flow restriction valve fluidly coupled to the variable outlet,the flow restriction valve having an open position and a closedposition, the flow restriction valve allowing the water flow to exit thevariable outlet when in the open position and preventing the water fromexiting the variable outlet when in the closed position; a hose storagestructure for holding a garden hose proximate to the pump; and a storagehousing substantially enclosing the pump and the hose storage structure.21. The storage and booster system of claim 20, wherein the hose storagestructure comprises a hose reel.
 22. The storage and booster system ofclaim 21, wherein the variable outlet comprises at least one of asprayer, a brush, or a broom, and wherein the housing is configured tostore the variable outlet.
 23. The storage and booster system of claim22, further comprising a controller coupled to the switch.
 24. Thestorage and booster system of claim 23, wherein the switch comprises amanually-operated on/off switch.
 25. The storage and booster system ofclaim 24, wherein the water pump comprises a centrifugal pump driven byan electric motor.
 26. The storage and booster system of claim 24,wherein the water pump comprises a centrifugal pump driven by acombustion engine.
 27. The storage and booster system of claim 26,wherein the switch includes a solenoid coupled to a clutch configured toengage and disengage a crankshaft of the engine with the centrifugalpump.
 28. A garden hose booster control system, comprising: a water pumpsystem including a motor, a wireless receiver, and a switch for turningthe motor on and off, and a variable outlet fluidly coupled to the waterpump system, the variable outlet having a first flow rate settingresulting in a water flow rate greater than a non-zero threshold flowrate, a second flow rate setting resulting in a water flow rate lessthan the threshold flow rate, and a wireless transmitter, wherein thetransmitter is configured to transmit a wireless signal to the receiverto indicate that the variable outlet is operating at the first flowsetting or the second flow setting; and a controller configured toadjust the switch based upon the signal such that the switch turns themotor on when the signal indicates the variable outlet is operating atthe first flow setting and such that the switch turns the motor off whenthe signal indicates the variable outlet is operating at the second flowsetting; and a flow restriction valve fluidly coupled to the variableoutlet, the flow restriction valve having an open position and a closedposition, the flow restriction valve allowing the water flow to exit thevariable outlet when in the open position and preventing the water fromexiting the variable outlet when in the closed position.
 29. The gardenhose booster control system of claim 28, wherein the water pump is acentrifugal water pump driven by an electric motor, and wherein the pumpis configured to produce a maximum water pressure of less than 1000 psi.30. The garden hose booster control system of claim 29, furthercomprising a first garden hose connector coupled to the pump and asecond garden hose connector coupled to the variable outlet.